Stats

Since I love mermaids, I thought I had to draw a homage to H. C. Andersen's original fairytale, The Little Mermaid. The concept is simple: the mermaid is lying on a big round shell (I love circles and curves, I figured out I always use circles in my drawings!); I like her pose, it looks like she's trying to reach something we can't see. Those things attached to her fishtail are oysters: in one point of the tale it is said that her grandmother puts oysters on her tail as a symbol of her lineage. The three butterflies are a symbol of soul: mermaids can live for 300 and more years but they don't have a soul. The mermaid's greatest wish is to be loved by the Prince and obtain a soul from his love.

At first I thought that the space around her was too empty, so I wanted to fill it with some kind of frame; but then I changed my mind, and left that space: it gives me a feeling of solitude; this little sweet creature is alone with her wish, her one sided love and her sacrifice. I know that many people prefer Disney version because the story is way happier, but I highly recommend you to read the original tale by Andersen...it's a very deep story and its many meanings have been discussed by many. I'd like to draw some other scenes from this story in the future.

This is my second try on watercolor paper: this time I've tried to be careful with colours. I've also used much ink; I like mixing pen and watercolour

Thank you!I've recently read the original tale by Andersen again, and I loved it. Surely better that Disney and any other version (even though I loved Ariel, expecially when I was younger). Well, the two stories are different and they are both enjoyable, but the original tale carries a deeper meaning

I am so glad my feedback has encouraged you. ^^Your artwork is very beautiful.I love the fairy-tale feel they hold. And yes! Original stories always have that soulful meaning behind them,I believe Disney does good to show kids the fun in the stories, but they skip the details at times. Which I understand since it was mostly for kids, but now that we've grown we have found the deeper meaning behind our childhood. And I like that.

I should really look into his works more..He sounds like a talented man. Thank you for the wonderful artwork. And yes, they are forever childhood memories that shall ever fade, I feel bad for any child who has not gotten the chance to indulge in their marvelous tales.